Be Thou Strong Therefore, and Shew Thyself a Man – Part 1a

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man. 1 Kings 2:2 (KJV).

Read more: Be Thou Strong Therefore, and Shew Thyself a Man – Part 1a

David’s final words to his son Solomon, though brief, holds timeless and priceless truths, wisdom for life and living, faith, and leadership. David reminds Solomon, that death is an inevitable reality! The Bible says, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Read Genesis 3:19. The Bible says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die…” Read Hebrews 9:27. See the key words, appointed, and die. No one beloved, will escape God’s sovereign appointment!

A person may be wealthy and an influential figure in society, but every one must “go the way of all the earth“. Life is a gift! Pause and calmly think. Therefore, we must be motivated to live it in a way that is pleasing to God, in faith, hope, love, integrity and perseverance. The Bible says, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.” Read Psalm 119:1-2. The Bible says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness…” Read Matthew 6:33.

The Bible says, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” Read Psalm 15:2. Here you see the connection between how we live and conduct our lives, impacts what we utter from our mouths. The Bible says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Read Luke 6:45.

David commands, Solomon “Be strong.” The Bible says, For by strength shall no man prevail.” Read 1 Samuel 2:9. The Bible says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Read Zechariah 4:6. God is our ultimate source of strength, hence the Bible says, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my Salvation, and my high tower.” Read Psalm 18:2.

Every believer faces daily demands to stand for truth, often in a world darkened by confusion and compromise. For this reason, God urges us: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Read Deuteronomy 31:6.

Beloved, God assures us victory over every circumstance of life. Therefore, we ought to stand firm on His promise to deliver us. The Bible says, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” Read 1 Corinthians 16:13. David understood from his experience as king, that Solomon would need God-given strength and courage, to faithfully keep God’s commandments. Therefore he echoed the charge given to Joshua: “Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” Read Joshua 1:7b.

Dear Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your wisdom to guide and lead me, in all that I do. Thank You for giving me ears to hear, a heart to perceive, and eyes to see Your grace and mercy, in Christ name.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.